Mish' Fiction

It was the last class for the first day of her PG programme. Nidhi was feeling tired. Settling in a new city hadn’t been easy for her. She had had no experience of running a household before. Although Kaka had shifted with them, but he also felt unsettled in the new city and didn’t know his way around.

Ashutosh had been there of course, but then it was just the two of them. Not Baba, Chhote Sarkar or Dadi Bua – who almost always seemed to know how to do things at home. God knows why the institute had decided to start the semester on a Friday. If they had started on the Monday, she could have relaxed over the weekend.

Anyway, right now she was just looking forward for the class to get over, so that she could go back home. She was yawning when the instructor walked in and she got the shock of her life. she rubbed her eyes to make sure she was right. Dr. Mallika?? How could it be? What was the name of the instructor for this course, she consulted her notebook. Dr. M. Shergil. Mallika Shergil? Oh God! Everyone always referred to her by her first name in KGH. Nidhi hadn’t thought of her surname till now. And even if she had, how on earth could she have expected her to be here? She was in Mumbai, wasn’t she?

Nidhi had entered the class a little late and thanks to the excitement of the first day amongst the students, she hadn’t gotten a seat in the first few rows. She was thankful for that now. Nidhi could hardly concentrate on the class. The only good thing was that Dr. Mallika didn’t seem to have noticed her.

Nidhi sighed in relief after the class was over and rushed home. True to his reputation, Ashutosh had started his work full-fledged from the very first day and he didn’t come back until 8 in the evening.

He found Nidhi pacing up and down in the hall.

“Nidhi. I thought ki tum aaraam karna chahti thi. Ye evening exercise kyon kar rahi ho?”

“Achchha hua aap aa gaye. Aaj…” she was about to tell him, when she realized that he must be tired. “Aap haat-munh dho lijiye, phir baat karte hain.”

“Koi problem hai kya?”

“Main Kaka se chai laane ko kahti hoon. Aap fresh ho jaiye,” she ignored his question.

Ashutosh sensed her unease, but decided to do what she asked him to.

“Kaisa raha classes ka pahla din,” Ashutosh asked her as they sat down to have tea.

“Theek tha.”

“Kuchh hua hai kya?”

“Dr. Mallika yahan hain.”

“Tumne dekha?”

Nidhi nodded, “You don’t look surprised.”

Ashutosh also nodded in reply, “Maine aaj kissi ko dekha tha hospital mein jo door se Mallika jaisi lag rahi thi. Lekin tab maine socha ki mera waham tha. Lekin ab tumne bhi confirm kar diya. Lekin woh yahan kaise?”

“Hamari Neonatology ki class le rahi hain.”

“You… you mean she is posted here,” Ashutosh was surprised.

“I guess so. Tabhi to class le rahi hain.”

“Usne tumse kuchh kaha?”

“Unhone shayad mujhe notice nahin kiya class mein. Thankfully main thoda peechhe baithi thi.”

Ashutosh looked thoughtful and also a little disturbed. That unsettled Nidhi.

“Ab kya hoga?” she asked fearfully.

“Kuchh nahin hoga Nidhi. Hona kya hai? She must be all right. Tabhi usne yahan join kiya hai. This is all just a coincidence.”

Nidhi nodded. But she still looked unsure and scared.

“Hey. Nidhi,” Ashutosh pressed her hand, “Don’t worry. Agar koi problem hui bhi to, main hoon na? Bharosa hai na mujh par?”

“Of course,” Nidhi smiled and looked visibly relaxed.

—

“May I come in Dr. Mallika?” Ashutosh said warmly standing at Mallika’s office’s open door.

“Ashutosh? Dr. Nidhi?” Mallika looked genuinely surprised, “Aap log yahan?”

“Precisely yahi sawaal to main tumse poochhne aaya tha Mallika. Mujhe to pata chala tha ki tum Mumbai mein ho.”

Mallika smiled sadly, “Yeah. I took a break. Aditya and his family were supportive for a change. Phir zindagi to aage badhani hi thi. Aur ye offer aaya to I thought – why not?”

“Of course, Mallika.”

“Khair. Congratulations to you two. I am guessing that you are married.”

“Yes Mallika,” Ashutosh smiled somberly, “Thanks.”

“And… I know ki main maafi ke layak nahin hoon. Lekin shayad hamari itne saalon ki dosti ki khatir tum mujhe maaf kar doge Ashutosh, jo maine kiya uske liye. Lekin Dr. Nidhi…”

“Mere man mein gile shikve nahin hain Dr. Mallika. Trust me.”

“Thank you Dr. Nidhi. Waise aap log yahan kaise?”

“Nidhi ne PG mein admission liya hai. Aur mujhe bhi yahan offer mil gaya to…”

“PG mein. Is saal? You mean…”

“… main aapki class mein hoon. Aapne shayad notice nahin kiya kal.”

“Oh! I am so sorry. I guess itne saare naye chehre aur maine aapko expect nahin kiya tha…”

“Ismein sorry kahne ki kya baat hai,” Nidhi smiled, “Aap log baatein kijiye. Meri classes ka time ho raha hai. Bye.” Nidhi left them alone.

“Bye Dr. Nidhi. And all the best.”

“Thanks.”

Mallika turned to Ashutosh after Nidhi left, “Baitho na Ashutosh.”

“Yep.”

“Aur batao Ashutosh. Kaise ho tum? Khush lag rahe ho?”

“Haan Mallika. Khush hoon. Aur meri khushi aur bhi badh gayi tumhein yahan dekh kar. Safe and healthy.”

“I am also so happy Ashutosh. Lekin ek dar hai. Kahin mere yahan hone se Nidhi ko to problem nahin hogi. Kahin tumhare rishte par…”

“No. No Mallika. Nidhi bahut mature ladki hai. Uski umra par mat jao. Don’t worry about that.”

Mallika smiled.

“And Mallika…”

“Yes Ashutosh?”

“I really am very happy to see you. Sirf tumhare liye nahin. Khud apne liye bhi. Main aaj bhi tumhari dosti ko bahut importance deta hoon aur aage bhi deta rahoonga.”

“Thank you Ashutosh. You know that it means a lot to me.”

“Chalo phir. Baad mein milte hain. Abhi ward mein jaane ka time ho gaya hai.”

“Yeah.”

—

“Ashutosh. Aapse ek baat poochhon? Dr. Mallika ke baare mein,” Nidhi asked Ashutosh that night when they went to the bed.

“Poochho.”

“Aap mujhe galat mat samajhiyega. Bas curiosity ke liye poochh rahi hoon.”

“Spill it out Nidhi. Tumhein mujhe itne explanations dene ki zaroorat nahin hai.”

“Yeah. Aap aur Dr. Mallika itne purane friends hain. Aur obviously aap unki dosti ki kadra bhi karte hain. To kabhi aapne unhein apne life partner ki tarah kyon nahin dekha? Kya aapko nahin lagta ki achchhe dost achchhe life partners bhi ban sakte hain?”

“Hmmm,” Ashutosh sighed, “Tumne to kaha tha ki sawaal Mallika ke baare mein hai. Tumne to mere baare mein poochh diya Nidhi.” He laughed slightly.

“Maine aise hi poochha. Agar aap nahin batana chahte hain to koi zabardasti nahin hai,” she smiled not wanting him to feel uncomfortable.

“Nahin Nidhi. Aisa kuchh nahin hai. Baat to ye hai ki maine kabhi is baare mein socha hi nahin. But ab tumne poochha hai to let me think… Mallika meri dost thi kyonki hum log ek doosre ka dard samajhte the. Lekin meri aur Mallika ki dosti do registanon ki dosti thi. Ek registan doosre se paani to nahin maang sakta. Hum ek doosre ki tanhaiyan share karte the, lekin un tanhaiyan door nahin kar paye kabhi. Kabhi ek doosre ko andheron se roshni ki taraf nahin le ja paye. Life partners ki dosti registaan aur badal ki dosti honi chahiye. Sookhe registan ko badal paani de sakta hai. Aur jab badal ke liye paani ka bojh zyada ho jaye to registan use apne mein sokh sakta hai. Life partners ke beech dosti to zaroori hai Nidhi, lekin ye bhi zaroori hai ki woh ek doosre ko complement karein, ek doosre ki strength banein. Mere liye to ye tumhi kar payi Nidhi. Tumhare liye main kar paya ya nahin, ye to…”

“Of course. Kar paye aap. Meri zindagi kitni aimless thi. Abhi to hanste, khelte, shaitaaniyan karte beet jaati. Lekin kuchh saalon baad to mahsoos hota na ki kuchh useful nahin kiya life mein. Aapne mujhe is profession ke liye serious bana kar, sirf mera career hi nahin bachaya. Balki meri life ko meaningful bhi banaya. Now I am sure ki life mein kabhi peechhe mud kar dekhne par mujhe koi afsos nahin hoga. Mujhe bharosa hoga ki maine apni life ka sahi istemaal kiya hai.”

Ashutosh smiled, “Ek baat aur bhi hai Nidhi.”

“Kya?”

“I think life-partners mein ek doosre ke liye respect hona bahut zaroori hai. I mean, aisa nahin hai ki main Mallika ki disrespect karta tha. I mean I always thought she was a very good doctor. But as a person, I never really looked up to her.”

Nidhi sat up on hearing that, “Aapka matlab hai ki you…” Nidhi stopped. Ashutosh knew what had surprised her.

“Yes. Dr. Nidhi. I look up to you,” Ashutosh had also sat up, “Jaanna chati ho kyon?”

Nidhi nodded.

“Kyonki you are a good person Nidhi. Tumhein shayad idea bhi nahin hai ki how rare that is.”

“Aur aapko andaazaa nahin hai ki aapne kitni badi baat kah di hai. Mujhe nahin pata whether or not I am a good person. Lekin agar aapko lagta hai to I will definitely try to be.”

“Just be yourself. Tumhein phir try karne ki zaroorat nahin hai.”

Nidhi felt overwhelmed. She leaned towards him for a hug and he happily obliged.

“Aur mujhe aapko ye batane ki zaroorat to nahin hai ki how much I look up to you? I always have.”

Ashutosh patted her back in the hug to convey his assurance that he knew!

—

To be continued

“Ab aap to wapas hospital jayenge aur main ghar par bore ho jaungi. Internship khatam hone ke baad hospital mein kaam nahin kar sakte kya?”

“Well… Kar to sakte hain Nidhi. Lekin mera suggestion ye hai ki tum abhi kuchh din aaraam kar lo. Phir PG ki padhai aur ward-duties shuru ho jayengi. Bahut hectic hota hai. Uske baad tumhein koi aaraam nahin milne waala.”

“Ye bhi theek hai. Waise aapne AIIMS mein director se baat kar li hai?”

“Haan Nidhi. Maine baat kar li hai. Main tumhare year ki koi class nahin loonga. No conflict of interest, okay?”

“Thank you,” Nidhi smiled. They had discussed this earlier. Nidhi had been worried about the possibility that Ashutosh may be assigned on of her classes there and that might be awkward. Especially if her class-mates got to know about their relationship.

“Achcha ye batao ki honeymoon par kahan jaana hai?” Ashutsoh’ sabbatical was starting one month before Nidhi’s classes began at AIIMS. They had decided to use first half of that month for the honeymoon and the second half for settling down in Delhi. And they still had two months in hand before their honeymoon began. So, they were planning for it only now.

“Umm… Mussourie.”

“Mussourie?” Ashutosh laughed slightly, “Woh to bagal mein hai Nidhi. Kabhi bhi ja sakte hain. I was thinking ki kahin India ke bahar jaate hain. Europe ya at least Mauritius.”

“Okay. Aap travel agent se baat kar lijiye.” Nidhi said, but Ashutosh sensed that she was not really happy.

“Kya hua? Koi problem hai?”

“Nahin to.”

“Lekin tumhein ye idea pasand nahin hai. Mussourie kyon jaana hai, batao mujhe?”

“Aap hasenge to nahin?”

“Hansne waali baat hogi to hansoonga hi.”

“Phir main nahin bataungi.”

“Are. To hansne mein kya burai hai? Nidhi. Isiliye to tum mujhe itni achchhi lagti ho. Kyonki tumhare saath main hansta hoon. Khush rahta hoon. Ab batao mujhe.”

“Theek hai. Main batati hoon. Lekin main apni aankhein band kar rahi hoon. Agar aapko hansna hoga to yahan se chale jaiyega.”

“Nidhi,” Ashutosh laughed out loud, “Okay. Okay. Aankhein band kar ke batao. Lekin ab jaldi batao. Main sach mein bahut curious ho gaya hoon.”

Nidhi actually closed her eyes before speaking, “Pahla reason to ye hai ki Mummy aur Baba bhi apne honeymoon par wahin gaye the. To uska mujhe fascination hai. Aur doosra…”

“Doosra?”

“Doosra ye ki agar kahin bahar jayenge to ghoomne phirne ki bahut zyada jagahein hongi. To poora time ghoomne mein hi nikla jayenge.”

“To?”

“Main… main thoda samay shanti se… aapke saath bitana chahti hoon,” Nidhi blushed hard.

Ashutosh smiled lovingly. He bent forward and planted kissed on her closed eyes. She opened them, looking anxious. But his smile drove her anxiety away.

“Mussourie it is then. Main travel agent se baat kar leta haoon.”

“Nahin,” she said hastily.

“Kyon?”

“Maine sab… pata kar rakha hai… Main bookings karwa loon?”

Ashutosh was floored. It took him a few moments to reply, “Of course. To tum mujhe kuchh bataogi ya sab surprise hone waala hai?”

“Surprise, of course,” Nidhi’s happiness was oozing out.

—

Ashutosh smiled appreciatively when they got down at the luxurious, secluded holiday cottage.

“It’s beautiful Nidhi,” he complemeted.

“Thank you. Lekin andar to chaliye.”

“Yeah. Chalo.”

The place was spacious with a huge garden, a private swimming pool and lots of greenery apart from the spacious rooms. The staff offered them the welcome drinks and carried their luggage inside. Then they were left alone.

“Nidhi. Taiyaar ho jao. Hamein dinner ke liye jaana hai.”

“Kahan?”

“Jab tak hum yahan hain, dinner mera surprise hai.”

“Wow!” Nidhi was excited.

Ashutosh had planned dinner at different places in the city, offering different cuisines and their own unique experiences. The only common thing was that it was always private, the two love birds left to themselves.

“Aapne itni saari jagahon ke baare mein pata kaise lagaya?” Nidhi asked feeling surprised after coming back from an exquisite Chinese dinner.

“Well. I have to keep up with you. Thodi bahut Internet search mujhe bhi aa gayi hai Nidhi,” he laughed at his joke and Nidhi joined him.

“Lekin ye saari jagahein restaurant nahin thi,” Nidhi’s curiosity was not satiated.

Ashutosh sighed, “Apna trade secret batana padega?”

“Of course.”

“Maine kuchh chefs se baat ki, hired them for an evening and rented a suitable place.”

“And staff to serve?”

“Yes!”

“Aapne ye sab kab kar liya? Aap to poore time hospital bhi ja rahe the.”

“Nidhi,” Ashutosh tunred to face her and held her hands, “Ye jo experience hai na. Hum-tum, ek saath, without a care in the world, without any interruptions, ye ek timeless experience hai. Jab tumne kaha tha ki honeymoon par tum mere saath waqt bitana chahti ho, zyada ghoomne phirne ki jagah, tab mujhe mahsoos hua ki hamare paas ye ek bahut achchha mauka hai. Mauka aise experiences banane ka ki aage zindagi mein agar hamare saamne koi bhi pareshaani aaye, kabhi hamara vishwaas tootne lage to we can look back at this time and know that things can be beautiful for us. We only have to work towards it. Tumne poori koshish ki is samay ko khoobsoorat banane ki. To maine bhi bas thodee si koshish apni taraf se kar li.”

“Wow! Maine to itna nahin socha tha,” Nidhi said innocently.

Ashutosh laughed again and hugged her affectionately.

—

On their first night of honeymoon, Nidhi finally wore the pink silk night dress Anji had gifted her. It was a three-piece night dress with a noodle-strap top, knee-length skirt and a full-length gown over it. Since she had not been able to wear it on their wedding night, she had decided to keep it for the honeymoon.

Ashutosh had gone to the reception to discuss some housekeeping issues. He was surprised to see Nidhi in the night dress when he came back, but he did not let it on. He did not say anything to her and went to the bathroom to freshen up.

Nidhi was anxious for his reaction and felt disappointed when he didn’t say anything.

Ashutosh saw her standing near the window, looking outisde. Her disappointment was written all over her face. He could figure that out even from the profile view he had of her. He smirked. He always found her seduction attempts rather cute.

He walked up to her and surprised her by hugging her from behind. Before she knew it, he had pulled open the belt of her gown and slipped it off her shoulders. Nidhi trembled visibly.

“Ye gown, kamre ke ander pahanne ke liye nahin hai Nidhi,” he said in a way that made her gulp hard. He had very much noticed the dress. But he knew how to manipulate his reactions to catch her off guard.

He planted kisses on her exposed shoulder and neck before turning her around to face him and asking, “Kab khareedi ye dress?”

“Khareedi nahin thi… Anji ne gift ki thi… Shaadi mein…”

“To itne dinon se chhipa kar rakhi thi?”

“Nahin… Woh…” What was she going to explain?

“Aur aisi dresses khareedni padengi.”

“Kyon?” she asked without thinking.

Ashutosh smiled meaningfully and it told her the answer. She lowered her eyes as she felt too shy to meet his.

“Janna chahti ho?”

“Nahin,” she bit her lips.

“Lekin tumne poochha tha to batana to padega hi,” he bent and kissed her on her lips, “Bahut different lagti ho. Bahut zyada khoobsoorat. Very… womanly. And…” he paused for a while, kissed her all over her face before concluding, “very sexy!”

Nidhi hid her face in his chest, as he led her to the bed.

—

“Come on Nidhi. The swimming pool is nice and well maintained. Swimming karte hain,” Ashutosh told Nidhi.

“Aap kijiye. Mujhe swimming nahin aati hai.”

“To chalo. Main sikhata hoon. Swimming is a very good exercise. Aur bahut achchhi skill hai. Sabko aani chahiye.”

“Lekin mere paas costume bhi nahin hai.”

“Mere khayaal se there is a reason ki hamare paas ye private pool hai.”

“Ji?”

“Ji. Come on.” Ashutosh pulled Nidhi towards himself and started undressing her.

“Ye aap kya kar rahe hain? Koi aa jayega.” Nidhi was nervous.

“Tum bhi jaanti ho ki koi nahin aayega.”

“Lekin…”

“Shh… Nidhi. Main hoon na? Ghabrao mat.”

Ashutosh undressed himself too and led a very anxious Nidhi to the pool. She was scared initially as he made her stand at the edge of the pool. Then he started teaching her how to kick with her legs. Soon, she was completely enjoying her lesson, learning things rather quickly. She became so excited that after a while Ashutosh had to admonish her, “Bas Nidhi. Ek din ke liye kaafi hai. Thak jaogi.”

“Main nahin thaki abhi. Kitna mazaa aa raha hai,” she resisted.

“Abhi pata nahin chal raha hai tumhein. Baad mein poore shareer mein dard hoga. Swimming bahut tiring hoti hai.”

“Nahin hoga,” she was persistent.

—

Nidhi regretted later not listening to Ashutosh.

“Main yahan se hil bhi nahin sakti Ashutosh,” she cribbed lying on the bed.

“Baat to maanti nahin ho. Abh bhugto.”

“Mujhe swimming sikhane ka idea aapka tha.”

“Lekin pahle hi din professionals ki tarah ghanto swimming karne ka idea mera nahin tha.”

“Whatever!”

“Achchha. Suno.”

“Aur lecture nahin, please.”

“Lecture nahin de raha Nidhi. Tumne parson ke liye hamara massage book karwa rakha hai na?”

“Haan.”

“Main unse poochhta hoon, agar hum use aaj ke liye prepone kar sakte hain.”

“Thank you,” Nidhi said with a childish pout.

But Ashutosh came back after a few minutes and announced that their massage slots were all booked for the day, and there was no way they could accommodate her.

“So, Dr. Nidhi. You will have to do with an amateur’s massage today.”

“Matlab?”

“Matlab here is the magical oil these guys use in their spa for massage. And here,” he pointed towards himself, “is your pediatrician turned physiotherapist cum masseur.”

Nidhi was embarrassed, “Aap? Nahin, nahin. Iski zaroorat nahin hai. Main thodee der aaraam karoongi to theek ho jaungi.”

“Sorry Nidhi. But I can’t wait,” Ashutosh said meaningfully, “I need my wife to be up and about, healthy and ready for me.”

“Aap bahut shararati ho gaye hain.”

“Koi problem hai?” Ashutosh asked, as he undressed her for the massage.

“Nahin,” she said with a blushing smile.

Ashutosh massaged expertly and Nidhi drifted off to sleep under its effect. When she woke up late in the evening, she was feeling well enough to go for their daily surprise dinner ritual.

—

It was raining when they came back from their dinner on the last night of their honeymoon. Nidhi was wearing a white chiffon saree Ashutosh had bought for her when they had gone for shopping to buy gifts for everyone back home.

Nidhi was about to go to change, when she noticed Ashutosh looking out of the window.

“Kya dekh rahe hain?”

“Bas achaanak Baba ki yaad aa gayi. Bachpan mein mujhe baarish mein bheegne ka bahut shauk tha. Aur mujhe sardi bahut jaldi lag jaati thi. To Baba bahut gussa karte the. Lekin mujhe unhein chidhane mein bhi bada mazaa aata tha. In fact bade hone ke baad bhi, jab tak Baba the to main kai baar bas unhein chidhane ke liye barrish mein bheegne lagta tha. Badaa mazaa aata tha.”

“To chaliye abhi bheegte hain.”

“Abhi? Are nahin Nidhi.”

“Mazaa aayega. Chaliye na? Aur ab aapko sardi ki chinta karne ki bhi zaroorat nahin hai. You have a doctor for a wife!”

“Nidhi. Suno to…”

But she wasn’t to be stopped now that she had the idea planted in her mischievous head. She dragged him out on to the terrace. He saw her closing her eyes and extending her hands to play with the drops. He smiled and did the same himself. He enjoyed it, just like he used to, when Baba was alive. When he opened his eyes, he saw Nidhi looking at him with a loving smile. Both of them were drenched. Nidhi’s saree clung to her body revealing more than hiding. The wet hair on her foreheard seemed to scream out to Ashutosh to touch them and move them away from her lovely face. He moved towards her almost in a trance, slipped her hands around her waist and pulled her close for a kiss. The water, her lips, the night – everything was intoxicating. He didn’t care for her weak protest as she reminded him that they were out on the terrace.

The next day as they left Mussourie, both of them were sneezing continuously and they kept laughing recalling their last night’s adventure.

—

To be continued

It was four in the morning, when Ashutosh and Nidhi were woken up by Ashutosh’ mobile ringing.

“Kaun hai is samay?” Nidhi was alarmed.

Ashutosh looked at the number, “Hospital se?”

“Hello… Yes… What happened… Oh… Dr. Sinha ne… Unreachable hain… Okay… Main abhi aata hoon… Tab tak agar pain zyada hai to injection de dijiye pain killer ka…”

“Kya hua?”

“Nidhi. Mujhe abhi hospital jaana padega. Ek patient ka case Dr. Sinha ko hand over kar ke aaya tha, lekin usmein kuchh complications ho gayi hain aur woh unreachable hain.”

“Main bhi chalti hoon aapke saath.”

“Tum? Theek hai. Chalo. Jaldi.”

—

Ashutosh was extremely anxious as he drove the car. Once they barely managed to avoid a minor accident.

“Car rokiya, main chalati hoon,” Nidhi offered. Ashutosh did not resist and gave her the driver’s seat.

They rushed to the ward on reaching the hospital and Ashutosh looked at the patient’s chart.

“Sister. Jin medicines par maine ise rakha tha woh band kyon kar di gayi?”

“Ji Dr. Sinha ne kaha tha ki uski zaroorat nahin hai.”

“Aisi misdiagnosis…” Ashutosh picked up an injection from the table to administer it to the patient. Nidhi hastily stopped him.

“Rukiye. Dr. Ashutosh.”

“Kya hai Nidhi?” he was irritated.

“Aap galat injection de rahe hain. Naam to dekhiye…”

Ashutosh was stunned and felt embarrassed. Nidhi scribbled the name of the correct injection on a paper and got Ashutosh to sign it.

“Sister. Aap please ye store se le kar aaiye,” she handed over the paper to the nurse. She turned to Ashutosh after the nurse had left, “Main injection de doongi. Aap apne office mein jaiye. Aur kuchh karna hai?”

“Haan… Woh.. half an hour mein…”

“BP normal nahin hua to ek aur injection dena hoga.”

“Yes,” Ashutosh said blankly. He was not at all like himself.

“Theek hai. Aap jaiye. Main half an hour mein aapko report karti hoon.”

Ashutosh did not say anything and walked to his office. Nidhi looked thoughtful behind him. Why was Ashutosh being so nervous and so unlike himself?

—

“Stable hai. Doosre injection ki zaroorat nahin padi,” Nidhi walked into his office and informed him.

“Good,” Ashutosh said, the usual punch in his voice still missing.

“Kya baat hai? Aap itne… itne…” Nidhi searched for the right word for a second, “anxious kyon hain? Aise nervous?”

“Bas… patient ki halat dekh kar ghabra gaya tha.”

“You want me to believe that?” Nidhi smiled, “Maine aapko itni badi badi crisis handle karte dekha hai without blinking an eye. Ye to… Ye to main bhi handle kar sakti thi.”

Ashutosh sighed.

“Kya baat hai?”

“Nidhi. Tum ghar jao. Sab log uth jayenge to ghabrayenge. Main ek-do ghante mein aata hoon patient ko observe karne ke baad.”

“Lekin…”

“I am fine Nidhi. Jao tum.”

Nidhi wasn’t sure about leaving him, but he was right about everyone at home getting worried.

“Theek hai. I’ll wait for you.”

Ashutosh smiled. But it was sad smile, Nidhi thought.

—

Baba had just gotten up when Nidhi reached home. He was surprised to see her coming from outside.

“Nidhi. Beta subah subah kahan gayi thi? Ashutosh kahan hai?”

“Baba. Hospital mein kuchh emergency ho gayi thi. Isliye hamein jaana pada. Dr. Ashutosh abhi wahin hain. Nashte ke time tak aa jayenge.”

“Ye kya baat hui?” Nidhi hadn’t noticed Dadi Bua hearing their conversation, “Shaadi ke time par bhi chain nahin de sakte ye aspataal waale? Aur doctors nahin hain kya? Rasmein tak poori nahin karne di aur murdaghar mein chale gaye? Shagun-apshagun ka koi khayaal hai ki nahin?”

“Dadi Bua,” Nidhi got irritated, “Hamari shaadi ke liye kissi ki jaan chali jati to ye bahut bada shagun hota kya? Thank God ki patient safe hai. Baba. Main thaki hui hoon. Thodee der aur aaraam karoongi.”

“Of course. Tum jao kamre mein,” Baba sent her off and braced himself for his Bua’s tantrums.

—

Ashutosh came back in time as he had promised. After that Dadi Bua had a slew of rituals lined up for them and they did not get any time to talk alone. Ashutosh was looking happy enough to everyone and no one doubted that something was disturbing him. But Nidhi noticed that he had to try hard to look that way. He was still bothered.

“Patient theek hai na?” Nidhi managed to ask him in the afternoon.

“Haan. Woh theek hai.” Ashutosh assured her. He felt her penetrating eyes on him, but ignored its questions.

—

Nidhi had to endure some teasing from Anji about the wedding night, before she could retire for the night. She came in and saw Ashutosh lying on the bed, his eyes were closed. She walked around without making any sound. After changing, she climbed on the bed beside him. She lightly caressed his forehead. Ashutosh opened his eyes. He wasn’t asleep.

“Thak gaye hain na aap?” she asked softly.

Ashutosh smiled and sat up, “Ab thakaan chali gayi.”

Nidhi smiled, “Romantic baatein bhi aap theek-thaak hi kar lete hain Dr. Ashutosh!”

Ashutosh raised his eyebrows and Nidhi realized her folly, “I mean… Ashutosh.” She blushed hard as she said that. Ashutosh put his arms around her as they sat on the bed with their back resting against the headboard.

“Nidhi. Is bhaag-daud mein tumhein batane ka mauka nahin mila. Maine shaadi se ek din pahle Mallika se baat karne ki koshish ki thi.”

“Kaisi hain woh?”

“Usse to baat nahin hui. Uske number nahin hai mere paas. Maine Sandeep ko phone kiya tha.”

“Kya kaha unhone?”

“Mallika stable thi, after few months of treatment. Lekin ab woh Delhi mein nahin hai. She and Sandeep have separated. Woh Mumbai chali gayi hai.”

“I am sorry to hear that. Lekin ye to hona hi tha. I guess Dr. Mallika ne us rishte ko kabhi apnaya hi nahin tha. So, it was not fair on Mr. Bagchi.”

“Yeah. You are right,” Ashutosh sighed.

“Maine bhi Rohan se baat ki thi.”

“Aur?”

“Baba ne use invite kiya tha to usne bola tha ki woh Lucknow mein nahin rahega shaadi ke samay. But I knew ki woh bahana bana raha tha. Maine phone kiya use. Usne aane se mana kar diya.”

“Aur kuchh kaha?”

“Kuchh naya nahin. Use ab bhi yakeen nahin hai ki maine sahi faisla liya hai. Usne kaha ki woh isi wajah se nahin aana chahta.”

Ashutosh gave half a smile.

“Kya baat hai?” Nidhi asked feeling concerned, “Aap phir se in baaton se…”

“Nahin Nidhi. Kissi aur ki baaton se nahin. Main… Main khud bahut dar gaya tha aaj.”

“Achchha hua apane khud hi baat shuru ki. Bataiye – kya hua tha subah? Itne pareshaan kyon the aap?”

“Nidhi. Shayad ye baat tumse karni nahin chahiye. Lekin tumhare alaawa kissi aur se main kar bhi nahin paunga.”

“Agar aap meri permission maang rahe hain to aap mujhse koi bhi baat kar sakte hain. Main aapki baaton ka kabhi bura nahin maanoongi. Zyada se zyada gussa ho sakti hoon thodi der ke liye. Lekin usmein to aap mujhe mana lenge.”

“Yeah. I know,” Ashutosh smiled.

“To bataiye.”

“Nidhi. Kitne saalon se maine apne aap ko apne kaam mein poori tarah duba liya tha. Meri koi personal life nahin thi, koi personal commitment nahin thi.”

Nidhi seemed to make out where this was going and she grew thoughtful. Ashutosh continued, “Hamari shaadi ke liye, itne saalon mein pahli baar main apne kaam se, personal cheezon ke liye, itne din door raha hoon. To jab subah mujhe pata chala ki meri absence mein ek patient critical ho gaya hai to main bahut dar gaya. Mujhe laga ki kahin ye kismat ka ishaara to nahin hai ki main dono cheezein sambhaal nahin paunga. Tumhare saath meri nayi zindagi aur apne kaam ke liye meri committment. Mujhe laga ki maine ek aisi zimmedaari utha li hai jise maine pahle kabhi jaana nahin, samjha nahin. Baba ne mujhe paala-posa, lekin unhone bhi to apne parivaar ki zimmedaariyon se munh mod liya tha. To kya main ye sab sahi kar paunga?”

Nidhi felt scared to the core. Her eyes moistened. He was scared of their day old marriage? She held his hands and said in a trembling voice, “Nahin. Aapko meri wajah se pareshaan hone ki zaroorat nahin hai. Main waada karti hoon ki aapke aur aapke kaam ke beech mein kabhi nahin aaungi.”

Ashutosh smiled fondly, “Mujhe pata hai Nidhi. Mujhe tumhari wajah se pareshaan hone ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. Ye dar mujhe subah pareshaan kar raha tha. Kuchh had tak din mein bhi. Lekin abhi jab main thodi der is kamre mein akela baitha tha, aur tumhare na hote hue bhi tumhein apne chaaro or mahsoon kar raha tha, tab mujhe sab cheezein saaf saaf dikhayi dene lagi Nidhi. Jab subah-subah phone aaya to tumne mujhe roka nahin, balki mere saath chal padi. Jab mere haath kaampe, tab tumne mera haath thaam liya. Jab mera dimaag kaam nahin kar raha tha, tab tumne mujhe us patient ko galat injection dene se bacha liya. So, now I know Nidhi ki tumhare aane se meri life koi conflict nahin aayi hai. Balki ek bahut majboot sahara aaya hai.”

The tears that had moistened her eyes in fear, now started running out of them because she was overwhelmed. She leaned on him and soaked his t-shirt in her tears.

“Bas… Bas Nidhi. Ro kyon rahi ho? Bura lag gaya meri baat ka?” he caressed her hair.

“Nahin. Lekin aap pagal hain Dr. Ashutosh… I mean Ashutosh” she said through her tears without breaking her half hug.

Ashutosh laughed slightly, “Haan. Tumhare saath rah kar ho gaya hoon. Waise maine tumhein apna naam Dr. Ashutosh se chhota kar ke Ashutosh karne ko kaha tha. Tumne use aur bhi bada kar diya hai – Dr. Ashutosh. I mean Ashutosh.”

They laughed slightly. He shifted on the bed to lie down, still keeping his arms around her and pulled up the bed-cover over them. Exhausted, emotionally and physically, they drifted off to sleep in the same position. If the last night was about passion and desire, this was a night of comfort, love and companionship. It completed their relationship.

—

To be continued